The City of Prince George in Canada held its second consecutive Ghana Flag-Raising Ceremony on Friday, 6 March, as part of the community’s annual celebration of Ghana’s Independence Day, reaffirming the city’s recognition of the growing Ghanaian population and their cultural contributions.

Hosted at Prince George City Hall, the event featured the raising of the red, gold, and green Ghanaian flag alongside the Canadian and British Columbian flags. This year’s ceremony follows the historic milestone in 2025, when the city raised the Ghanaian flag for the first time and officially proclaimed 6 March as Ghana Day in Prince George.

During the ceremony, Mayor Simon Yu reaffirmed the proclamation, highlighting the city’s ongoing commitment to embracing cultural communities and strengthening ties with residents of Ghanaian descent. He described the Ghanaian community as “an essential thread in the multicultural fabric of Prince George” and applauded their civic engagement, academic contributions, and cultural leadership.

Speaking at the event, Eddie Ameh, President of the Ghanaian Association of Prince George, described the occasion as profoundly meaningful to local residents of Ghanaian heritage.

“This is a great honour for the Ghanaian community here in Prince George to have our flag raised for the second consecutive time. We’re grateful to the mayor and the city for this historic moment,” Ameh said.

He added that the Association is looking ahead to long-term legacy projects, including plans to build a community centre to teach and preserve Ghanaian culture.

The flag-raising ceremony drew local families, students, community leaders, and members of the broader African diaspora, many of whom described the event as a powerful symbol of belonging, identity, and cultural pride.

Community Honours Longstanding Member

Later in the evening, celebrations continued with a Dinner and Dance Gala marking Ghana’s 69th Independence Day. During the event, the Ghanaian Association paid special tribute to Jacob Madjitey, one of the earliest Ghanaian settlers in Prince George, presenting him with a citation in recognition of his enduring contributions.

Having lived in the city for over 35 years, Mr Madjitey has played a pivotal role in welcoming Ghanaian students, supporting new families, and providing leadership within the Association. Speakers described him as “a father figure,” “a cultural anchor,” and “a bridge for newcomers finding their footing in a new country.” His recognition earned a standing ovation from attendees and was considered the emotional highlight of the evening.

Strengthening Cultural Bonds

The Ghanaian community in Prince George has grown steadily in recent years, now home to hundreds of families and students, many of whom have come to study at local postsecondary institutions or work in the region’s expanding sectors.

The continued partnership between the City of Prince George and the Ghanaian Association signals a deepening recognition of the community’s cultural, social, and economic contributions.

As the Ghanaian flag waved above City Hall for the second year, attendees expressed hope that the ceremony would remain an annual tradition, further strengthening ties between Prince George and its Ghanaian residents.